Gay man named social secretary for White House

WASHINGTON - The White House made history in two ways Friday, when it announced Jeremy Bernard as its new social secretary - the first man and the first openly gay person to fill that role.

Bernard, the senior adviser to the ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, will replace Julianna Smoot, the White House announced.

"Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People's House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America's arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House," President Barack Obama said in a statement.

Bernard previously worked as the White House liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities and was a member of the Democratic National Committee. He is the administration's third social secretary. Desiree Rogers, who left post early last year, was the first African-American social secretary. Smoot will move to a role on Obama's re-election campaign.

"I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as social secretary and support President Obama and the first lady in this role," Bernard said in a statement. "I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House, and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead."

Bernard, who has been active in gay-rights organizations, was a prominent fundraiser for the Obama presidential campaign in California.

The East Wing has had high turnover at the top ranks over the past year and a half. Susan Sher, first lady Michelle Obama's first chief of staff, left in January and was replaced by Tina Tchen. Smoot replaced Desiree Rogers as social secretary in February of last year. Camille Johnston, former communications director, left in August and was replaced by Kristina Schake in December.